Cyberattack on The Chaser: Hong Kong Journalists in Britain Face Government-Backed Threats

The cyberattack on The Chaser, a UK-based news outlet founded by Hong Kong journalists, is emblematic of the growing pressures on diaspora media operating outside of mainland China. The attack, which Google categorized as government-backed, appears to be an attempt to compromise sensitive information, such as passwords and personal data. While Google acknowledged the possibility of a false alarm, it stated that suspicious activities were detected, prompting The Chaser to strengthen its security measures​(Voice of America)​(Big News Network).

The attack is believed to be part of a broader strategy by the Chinese government to intimidate journalists critical of Beijing, particularly ahead of China’s National Day. Analysts suggest that such attacks serve as a warning to Hong Kong journalists that they remain vulnerable, even when operating abroad. The timing of the attack is particularly significant, as it reflects Beijing’s efforts to clamp down on dissenting voices as political milestones approach​(Voice of America).

The Chaser, founded by Hong Kong journalists who fled to Britain three years ago, has been committed to reporting freely in an environment less restrictive than Hong Kong. However, as this incident shows, Chinese state actors appear willing to pursue critical voices even beyond their borders. The outlet condemned the attack as an extension of the “White Terror” — a term used to describe the suppression of free speech and press freedom in Hong Kong — noting that the black hand of authoritarianism continues to reach into the diaspora community​(CyberMaterial –)​(Voice of America).

The Chaser’s experience is not unique. In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Journalists Association has reported escalating harassment, with journalists, their families, and associates being targeted both online and in their daily lives. This includes incidents such as digital intimidation, personal threats, and surveillance. The combination of cyberattacks and physical intimidation illustrates the broad scope of repression being faced by journalists​(

Voice of America)​(Big News Network).

The cyberattack also underscores the challenges faced by journalists in protecting themselves from cyber threats, especially when they are critical of powerful state actors. In response to the attack, The Chaser implemented additional security measures, ensuring their team could continue their work while safeguarding their operations from future threats. This incident is a stark reminder of the growing need for robust cybersecurity within journalism, particularly for outlets that take a critical stance against authoritarian regimes​(CyberMaterial –)​(Voice of America).

While China’s government has denied any involvement in the cyberattack, claiming that it opposes all forms of cyberattacks, the timing and nature of the attack have raised concerns among observers. The attack on The Chaser mirrors broader concerns about press freedom and the lengths to which state actors may go to silence dissent​(Voice of America)​(CyberMaterial –).